Foster recorded his 20th 100-yard game. Andre Johnson came up with his 40th 100-yard game as the Texans had a well-balanced attack that worked more precisely in the second half.

The Texans’ defense didn’t surrender a touchdown. The Bills (3-5) had to settle for three Rian Lindell field goals.

The Texans lost the battle for time of possession in the first half for the first time this season, but they regained it with a decisive second half in which they took command on the first series of the third quarter.

The Texans made huge improvement on their return and coverage teams. They entered the game ranking last in field position on offense and defense. Keshawn Martin’s 27-yard punt return in the third quarter ignited the offense by shortening the field.

Right tackle Derek Newton had his hands full with Mario Williams, who recorded one sack and seven tackles, including two for loss.

The Bills were trying to score their first touchdown in the fourth quarter, but rookie Whitney Mercilus hit Fitzpatrick, forcing a fumble that Quintin Demps recovered. Mercilus added a sack on the last play of the game.

First-half analysis

Now let me get this straight: The Bills are 31st in defense, and they allow 32 points a game. They’re 32nd against the run. And the score is 7-6 at halftime?

What a horrible performance by the Texans’ offense. I mean, they average 30 points a game. They’re playing at Reliant Stadium. And they have one touchdown on Matt Schaub’s 39-yard pass to Owen Daniels for a 7-0 lead.

The offense looks flat. The defense hasn’t given up a touchdown, and that’s good, but the Texans are allowing the Bills to move the ball too much. They have two sacks by Connor Barwin and J.J. Watt, but they can’t get Buffalo on three-and-outs, which has been one of their strengths.

Buffalo is spreading out the Texans’ defense with an empty backfield. The Bills have two good running backs in Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. They also have excellent receivers.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is getting rid of the ball fast. Stevie Johnson is his favorite target, as usual. The Texans are playing loose and allowing the Bills to get to the red zone, then throwing down the hammer and limiting them to field goals.

The way this game is going, the offense better move the ball and score when it has a chance in the second half, but the defense has shown it can’t stop the Bills from moving the ball until they get close to the goal line.

If the Texans don’t come out and pound the ball against the Bills, there’s a chance they’re going to lose this game.

Inside linebacker Barrett Ruud will be available to the Texans for the first time since signing with the club two weeks ago. Ruud is active today for the first time. Last week, the Texans waived Mister Alexander, who had previously added linebacker depth.

Inactive for the Texans are cornerbacks Roc Carmichael and Brandon Harris, running back Ben Tate, who was declared out on Friday, offensive tackle Andrew Gardner, guards Cody White and Brandon Brooks and nose tackle Terrell McClain, who signed with the Texans this week.